The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the acetyltransferase family, and is a rate-limiting enzyme in the catabolic pathway of polyamine metabolism. It catalyzes the acetylation of spermidine and spermine, and is involved in the regulation of the intracellular concentration of polyamines and their transport out of cells. Defects in this gene are associated with keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans (KFSD). Alternatively spliced transcripts have been found for this gene.[provided by RefSeq, Sep 2009]

Data suggest that SAT1 plays role in apoptosis; overexpression of SAT1 in human embryonic kidney cell line leads to a rapid depletion of spermidine and spermine, arrest in cell growth, and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis.

Enhanced SSAT expression by proximal tubule epithelial cells leads to tubular damage, and its deficiency reduces the severity of renal I/R injury through reduction of cellular damage and modulation of the innate immune response